Page 46 of Truth is the Ultimate Weapon

“I did. Justice.” She said. “Seemed fitting since I passed the bar and all. And it was better than Bullet, which was a close second.”

“She gets shot at a couple of times, and suddenly life is about her next diabolical case and…justice. Ohh, I see what you did there.” Nash laughed, “Clever. It is kind of cool, getting shot and all.”

“You were barely grazed.” Devyn rolled her eyes.

“I got two stitches. I wouldn’t call that barely.” He defended.

“Is he still talking about how he got shot and barely survived to tell about it?” Cut asked as he stepped outside with a tray of meats for the barbecue.

“Hasn’t stopped talking about it since it happened.” Coy shook his head, taking a seat next to Nora, who handed him baby Baylor, much to his delight.

A procession of vehicles streamed up the driveway and halted in front, disgorging men and women clad in dark attire, their earpieces conspicuous. Among them emerged Ransom, dressed casually, who greeted the group with hugs and warm hellos. He approached Coy, gently taking the baby from him, planting a tender kiss on her forehead, and then passing her to Nora.

“Are you still president?” Nash asked with a dramatic eye roll.

“For a bit longer, yes.” Ransom announced, “Sorry it took me a while to get here.”

“You just like the dramatic entrance.” Nash teased. “We get it. You’re a big deal.”

“Not here, apparently.” Ransom joked. “I, uh, I know we’re here to celebrate the engagement of Nash and Charlotte, but I also wanted to share something else.”

He reached out to the agent at his side, who handed him a black velvet case, “I wanted to present you with this, Charlotte.”

Ransom opened it, revealing a beautiful metal attached to a lovely satin ribbon, “These honors are rare, reserved for the bravest among us who exhibit unparalleled valor and courage, going beyond the call of duty in the heat of combat. While I wish Owen were still with us, and I understand that this recognition cannot bring him back, his actions not only spared this family further grief but also safeguarded our nation in the most courageous manner imaginable. I ask that you accept this award on his behalf, knowing that I am deeply grateful for his bravery and everything he did to keep this family united. As President, I am tasked with presenting this medal on behalf of our nation's safety and security, but I am particularly thankful for his protection of everyone gathered at this table today.”

Nash wrapped his arm around Charlotte, who’d resigned to tears. She hiccupped with emotion before saying, “I would be honored to accept this on his behalf, sir. He took great pride in his work, his country, and the people he loved. I know he would have been thrilled. After all, he voted for you.”

The group chuckled.

“I, too, am grateful for his bravery. As much as I will miss him for the rest of my days, he fought and sacrificed to leave me the greatest gift, and it’s this family.” Charlotte said, “I am so proud to call each and every one of you mine. Well, soon, after the wedding when it’s official.”

“It’s already official, darlin’,” Coy said as he bent down and placed a kiss on her head before taking a seat next to Kenzie. “You’re one of us.”

“Anyone who can go through what these past months had to offer and barely flinch… definitely a Stone.” Devyn smiled, reaching for her future sister in law’s hand, “You passed the test, sis. You’re in.”

The group chuckled again.

“Kenzie, I’m so sorry.” Charlotte said, reaching for her hand when she noticed her tears, “I didn’t mean to make you feel…”

“No, it’s okay.” Kenzie weakly smiled.

“But you lost someone too. I know it was under trying and confusing circumstances, but loss is loss.” Charlotte said, “You only knew the good parts of Glen, and that’s something to grieve.”

“I, uh, guess I’m not crying for him,” she smiled and wiped her tears, “I just really feel your words, Charlotte. It’s like you were reading my mind. This family…” she cleared her throat, trying to push down the emotion threatening to spill over, “This family is so special. After everything my uncle put y’all through, and yet, you still invite me to this table. To celebrate with you. It means everything to me. You all mean everything to me.”

“Oh, please.” Dillon rolled her eyes playfully, “We claimed you a long time ago, back when we were still in pigtails and boys were yucky. You’re stuck with us, Kenz.”

“I think it’s time for some bubbly,” Nash said, reaching for the champagne bottle and filling glasses.

Dillon covered her glass, “Oh, I’m not drinking today. I’ll stick to water.”

“Since when does Dillon Stone-Wyatt turn down a drink in the middle of…” Coy paused, “Hold on. Dillon. Ransom, did you… Is she…”

“Oh, my heavens, our big sister got knocked up by the President,” Nash shouted. “Yeehaw, another little Stone baby.”

“Stone-Wyatt baby.” Ransom corrected, “I get a little credit here.”

“Hold on,” Nash said, “We don’t even know if it’s yours, Mr. President. Until we can tell if it looks like you, it’s all Stone.”

---